Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A nice war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp Winfield Scott in front of Yorktown, Va., April 19, 1862", in part: "…we are required to be ready at any moment for the march on the Rebels. We may not move for some days. A young friend of mine was attached to the Topographical Engineer Corps…and [was] sent out sketching…while busy at his table working a shot or shell…from a rebel battery was fired in the direction of where he was. It struck the table, burst killing a man that was with him instantly, wounding the other badly and injuring his arm…that it had to be amputated. Poor fellow he slept in my tent the night before…so the war goes. Yesterday while riding along Wormley's Creek my horse became frightened and ran off with me. I was thrown, not hurt however…the only thing I most regret is the loss of your likeness. I had it copied into a medallion and fastened to my guard chain. After I got back to camp I missed it and rode back to where the accident took place, but could not find it. I miss it so much…while at Hd. Qrs. about two hundred men belonging to the Regts. in the Army of the Potomac and who had been left at the hospital [in] Washington City…came in to join their Regts. Among them was five of the 104th [Penn.] but nobody from Doylestown…I have a contraband supplying me with oysters and fresh fish everyday…he does it on penalty of my sending him to the guard house for selling to anybody else before supplying me…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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